A Carrollton High School senior who has hopes of becoming an educator has received a full ride scholarship to Washington and Lee University — a prestigious liberal arts college with an acceptance rate of 17 percent.
Sophia Morales is a QuestBridge Match Scholarship recipient. Nearly 21,000 students applied and Sophia is one of approximately 2,200 selected students.
The scholarship represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes a commitment to academic excellence, hard work, and resilience.
Sophia said she is thankful for the opportunity to pursue higher education without burdening her parents with loans or financial concerns.
“I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship, as it relieves the financial strain on my family and me,” said Sophia. “It recognizes the efforts I’ve invested in my education and reflects the continuous support from my parents.”
Looking ahead, Sophia has ambitious plans for her college years. She plans to major in Mathematics and is considering a minor in Educational Studies or Educational Policy.
“My ultimate goal is to become a high school math teacher, but I am open to exploring other opportunities within the education field,” said Sophia.
Sophia has been an active participant in various extracurricular activities at CHS. She has been a member of National Honor Society (NHS) and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) since her junior year and has also been involved with CHS Performing Arts.
Sophia’s aspirations extend beyond academic achievements.
“I aspire to be involved more in the education field and discipline as I progress through my college years and into my post-college years,” she said. “I want to be an aid to my students both in terms of their mathematics education and their development as a person; I aspire not only to teach algebra, but also values such as being open-minded and flexible with new perspectives and sharing the same space with all kinds of peers.”
CHS Career Center Specialist Theresa Fisher said Sophia is deserving of the scholarship.
“We are incredibly proud of Sophia’s decision to apply for the QuestBridge Scholarship,” said Fisher. “This full-ride scholarship not only provides her the opportunity to attend an outstanding college but also recognizes her hard work and provides a path to a promising future.”
